Spooktacular Spectacles: Things To Do in Tampa This Weekend

Hillsborough County

• Tampa Oktoberfest - Friday, Oct 13th, Join Tampa for a spirited celebration of German culture with dancing, singing, and plenty of cold beer along the scenic Hillsborough River downtown at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park from October 13th to 15th. Oktoberfest Tampa 2023 promises a fantastic time to relax, make new friends, and immerse yourself in new customs while singing along to lively tunes. Don't miss the grand kick-off as we inaugurate Tampa's biggest Oktoberfest by tapping the first keg!

• Haunted River Tours - Every weekend in October, from 6:15pm-9:15pm, Embark on a chilling expedition on a haunted tour, unraveling tales of terror and delving into Tampa's ghostly history! In a thrilling addition this year, the 45-50 minute cruise will make a mysterious pause at Captain Patchy’s Pumpkin Barge.

• Guided Farm Tour - Friday, Oct 13th & 15th from 10am-11am, Discover the Fat Beet Farms vegetable gardens, aquaponics system, farm animals, vermiculture, biodigester, bees, microgreens production, wetland, and coastal preservation areas in just 1 hour. Following the tour, visit the café and marketplace for lunch and local goods.

• Fall Plant Festival - Saturday, Oct 14th & Sunday, Oct 15th from 10am-3pm, Highlighting plant vendors, delicious food, and delectable treats! This event brings together commercial growers and local clubs from across the state. These expert growers are on hand to answer your questions and offer valuable insights.

• Barriehaus 4th Aunnual Oktoberfest - This Weekend, Oct 13-15th, Come and celebrate Oktoberfest Weekend with BarrieHaus Beer Co! The festivities start on Friday with a free Night Market. On Saturday, the 14th, they’re hosting Tampa Bay's ultimate Oktoberfest experience. Note that this event is for those 21 and older. Finally, on Sunday from 12 PM to 3 PM, there will be a free, family-friendly event called Art-toberfest for the Kids!

Pinellas County

• The Big Cleanup Clearwater - Friday & Saturday, Oct 13th & 14th from 9:00am-12:00pm, The 3rd annual Big Cleanup Clearwater runs from Oct. 9-14. The aim is to gather litter from Clearwater's various locations, including beaches, parks, streets, and trails. Businesses, community members, and organizations are welcome to volunteer at different sites throughout the week.

• Morningside Dive-In Movie Series - Friday, Oct. 13th from 6:30pm-8:30pm, Gather your family and friends for a leisurely evening of floating and enjoying a movie night at Morningside Recreation Complex.

• Market on Main - Sunday, Oct 8th from 10:00am-3:00pm, Gather with community friends at the Safety Harbor Farmer's Market on Main for open-air shopping every Sunday.

Pasco County

• Dade City Night Market - Friday, Oct 13th from 4pm-9pm, Enjoy your Friday evening at the Dade City Night Market, where you can indulge in food, shopping, and more. With cooler temperatures and less chance of rain, it's the perfect opportunity to revel in the festivities on the streets!

• Dade City Farms @ Lake Iola Fall Festival - Saturday, Oct 14th from 9:00am-6:00pm, Experience the season's joy at our inaugural Fall Festival hosted by Dade City Farms @ Lake Iola!

• Mirada's Farmers Market - Saturday, Oct 14th from 10am-2pm, Savor the taste of local flavors, make acquaintances with your community, and relish in fresh foods and produce. Explore an exceptional array of vendors, delight in lively live music, and discover a children's activity area for added family fun!

• Scarecrow Festival - Saturday, Oct. 14th from 9am-4pm, The yearly festival is a delightful event suitable for the entire family. Experience a wide array of attractions, including vendors, delicious food, crafts, scarecrow building, face painting, a pumpkin patch, and so much more!

• 80s Night @ The Krate - Friday, Oct 13th from 7:00pm-11:00pm, The Krate at Wesley Chapel is hosting an 80s night with live music, food, drinks, games, and more!

• Cars & Coffee - Saturday, Oct 14th from 8:00am-11:00am, Bring your cars, view cool rides, and grab a coffee at the Krate in Welsley Chapel.

Hernando County

• Monster Car Show TRUNK or TREAT - Saturday, Oct. 14th from 4pm-9pm, Mark your calendars for the 4th Annual Monster Car Show hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hernando County. This event serves as the organization's largest fundraiser and is made possible through collaboration with Hernando County Parks & Recreation. We warmly invite families to this exciting event, promising a wide range of activities such as Trunk-or-Treat, a Haunted Trail, Carnival Games, Art & Crafts, Food Trucks, and vendor booths.

• HarvestMoon Fun Farm Fall Festval - Oct 11th - Nov 5th, a fantastic autumn experience featuring a 5-acre corn maze, Maize-o-poly, and the Spookley the Square Pumpkin kiddie maze. Enjoy the Candy Cannon Blast throughout the day and the new addition of Beer and Wine at our "Silo Bar." Live entertainment with the Moogician or Incredible Mr. Bob happens every weekend in October. Explore the "not so scary" hay wagon ride, as well as farm activities like the 70ft Jumping Pillow, Ball Toss, Pedal Carts, Pony Hops, Cow Train, Hill Slide, and more. Don't miss the Nigerian Dwarf Goats and Kiwi the miniature cow in the petting farm. Before you leave, pick a pumpkin and savor our famous Apple Cider Slushies. For a spookier experience, join our Haunted Trails at Night on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-5pm for $15.95+tax per person ages 3 & up, and Haunted Nights from 7pm-10pm.

• Spring Hill Farmers Market - Saturday, Oct 14th from 10am-3pm, Join the vibrant weekly market featuring an impressive lineup of over 50 vendors. Discover an array of offerings, including locally sourced produce, fresh meat and seafood. Explore local honey, heirloom seeds, and vegetable plants, along with an assortment of landscape and house plants. Satisfy your cravings with baked goods and admire the craftsmanship of woodworking and much more!

Sarasota/Manatee County

• Oktoberfest at Edelweiss 2023 - All Weekend long from 5pm-10pm, Welcome to Bradenton's finest Oktoberfest, brought to you by the German establishment, Edelweiss, winner of the People's Choice Gold Award! Join for our 11th annual Oktoberfest, where you can don your German attire and revel in a fantastic celebration featuring a vast open-air beer tent, live German entertainment, delectable Oktoberfest cuisine, an abundance of Oktoberfest beer, traditional German dancers, engaging contests, and family-friendly activities like face painting and games.

• Hunsader Farms 32nd Annual Pumpkin Festival - Oct 14th & 15th from 9am-5pm, Get ready for the 32nd Annual Pumpkin Festival! A jam-packed festival featuring a craft show, live music, entertaining shows, pumpkins, kids' games, a pioneer trades village, hayrides, pony rides, a corn maze for $2, scarecrow displays, delicious treats, and a variety of activities.

Polk County

• Plant Pop-Up in Munn Park - Saturday, Oct. 14th from 8am-2pm, Join a delightful array of plant and garden-related vendors offering everything you need to enhance your Fall gardens. This event, hosted by the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority, coincides with the Downtown Farmers Curb Market on Kentucky Ave., running from 8 am to 2 pm as well.

Citrus County

• Crystal River Scarecrow Fest - Saturday, Oct 14th from 10am-5pm, Join an array of activities including costumes, games, vendor stalls, delectable food, lively music, and beer and wine sales by Citrus Sertoma. Capture the essence of autumn with our fall-themed photo opportunities. We're actively seeking local non-profits, clubs, sports teams, and organizations to take part in this event; reach out to us if your group is interested.

Lee County

• Fort Myers Beach Market - Friday, Oct 13th from 9:00am-1:00pm, Visit the Fort Myers Beach Market every Friday for a delightful array of fresh produce, artisan foods, arts, crafts, clothing, and more.

Charlotte County

• Haunted Mystery Tour of Punta Gorda - Oct 7th - April 27th from 6pm-8pm, Join seasoned ghost hunters for an eerie journey through downtown Punta Gorda after dark. Hear true ghost stories and explore sites with paranormal activity. Midway through, experience a live ghost-hunting tech demo and learn about spirit communication tools like dowsing rods and pendulums.

• Halloween Notte at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds - Every weekend in October, Halloween Notte is a unique "Jekyll and Hyde" festival that celebrates the magic of childhood imagination during the day and the thrill of nighttime frights. Families can enjoy daytime activities like pumpkin patches, carving, costume contests, face painting, food, vendors, and more. As the sun sets, the eerie festivities begin. Brave the chills in the Circus-sylum Haunted Tent (open nightly from 8 pm to midnight) or dance your fears away at the Haunted Dance Party. Operating hours: Friday 4 pm–midnight; Saturday and Sunday 11 am–midnight.

• Punta Gorda History Park Market - Sunday, Oct 8th from 9:00am-1:00pm, Every Sunday, The History Park Sunday Market in Punta Gorda showcases the best of local food and artisanal products. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, explore a variety of offerings from fresh produce to unique gifts, and enjoy live music in the heart of historic Punta Gorda, making it a perfect destination to experience the charm of a farmer's market.